Konverterat

Aluminium is often added in rocket propellants to get an increased specific impulse. Common aluminium powder has however a surface layer of aluminium oxide, which results in incomplete combustion. FOI has therefore developed a method where the surface of the aluminium particles is modified to get a more effective combustion. The aim is to achieve a higher specific impulse when using activated aluminium than using common aluminium powder in rocket propellants. Preliminary studies have shown that by using activated aluminium the burning rate for rocket propellants is increased. A new equipment for up-scaling of the activation process as well as production and analysis of activated aluminium is described in the report. A description of the work related to formulation of a castable blend of ammonium perchlorate, poly butadiene and common/activated aluminium is also given. Rocket motors and strands for Crawford Bomb have been manufactured and will be analysed later on.